In the first episode of this series, you got to hear about how BJ Barham turns uncomfortable conversations about the dark parts of Southern history into songs, about racial and class divides, how influential Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen are to his music, and about how things stand for American Aquarium and in the music business more generally during the coronavirus pandemic. But we left a lot on the table, including much of my conversation with Tyler Boone, who has a new single out, and lots more from BJ Barham, including producer Shooter Jennings as the band’s Bigfoot, and more insight into the culture and politics of the South. All that and more on this episode of Southern Songs and Stories.

BJ Barham of the Raleigh, NC band American Aquarium

American Aquarium songs heard in this episode:

“Before The Dogwood Blooms” from Lamentations (excerpt)

”Brightleaf + Burley” from Lamentations

“The Long Haul” from Lamentations (excerpt)

I hope you enjoy this podcast, and that you will subscribe to this series on your podcast platform of choice, and give it a good rating and a review. Great ratings, and reviews especially, will make Southern Songs and Stories and the artists it profiles more visible to more people just like you. Plus, it never hurts to invite a friend to check out what we’re doing here at Southern Songs and Stories, which is produced in partnership with public radio station WNCW and Osiris Media. You can find us on Apple/iTunes here, on Pandora here, and Spotify here. Our theme songs are by Joshua Meng, with a link to his music here. Thanks for listening! - Joe Kendrick